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Original Twin
Listening time: 8 hours and 18 minutes.
SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN SECOND BEST. NOW SHE'S THE ONLY ONE LEFT.
Twin sisters May and June couldn’t be more different. May is quiet, self-conscious, withdrawn; June is boisterous, beautiful, magnetic…and missing.
It’s been a year since June disappeared, a year of May waiting for her to turn up with an explanation of where she’s been and why she left. But with the discovery of an old newspaper article comes a secret: Their mother once vanished, too, on the same date when she was nineteen years old.
Just like June.
This was no coincidence. June was investigating this buried family mystery, and she left May a series of clues to pick up where she left off. Now, if May wants to find June, she’ll have to retrace her footsteps through their mother’s past.
The more answers she digs up, the more questions May has. And the biggest one of all: When her sister’s trail of breadcrumbs runs out, what will she find?
SHE'S ALWAYS BEEN SECOND BEST. NOW SHE'S THE ONLY ONE LEFT.
Twin sisters May and June couldn’t be more different. May is quiet, self-conscious, withdrawn; June is boisterous, beautiful, magnetic…and missing.
It’s been a year since June disappeared, a year of May waiting for her to turn up with an explanation of where she’s been and why she left. But with the discovery of an old newspaper article comes a secret: Their mother once vanished, too, on the same date when she was nineteen years old.
Just like June.
This was no coincidence. June was investigating this buried family mystery, and she left May a series of clues to pick up where she left off. Now, if May wants to find June, she’ll have to retrace her footsteps through their mother’s past.
The more answers she digs up, the more questions May has. And the biggest one of all: When her sister’s trail of breadcrumbs runs out, what will she find?
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 1, 2024
790 people are currently reading
9375 people want to read
About the author
Paula Gleeson
2 books133 followersPaula writes mysteries and thrillers for all ages, usually with multiple twists and complicated females at the helm. She is an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriting finalist, and nominated non-fiction writer. She lives just outside of Melbourne, Australia and is often found in her pj’s, drinking tea (wine), and watching horror movies snuggled between her doggo and a big cheese pizza. Both of her thrillers, ORIGINAL TWIN and BONEY CREEK, are out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
May 30, 2024
The book opens with June's funeral unfolding. She has been missing for a year and they have decided to put her to rest even though no body has ever been discovered. Her twin sister May doesn't believe that June is dead.
(Hmmm? No body, no leads, and the family decides to bury her and move on after one year? 🤔 That's not very nice. 🤨)
May makes a discovery of a newspaper article hidden in June's bedroom about the abduction of her mother, Diana, years earlier when she was in college. Coincidentally, both Diana and June disappeared on the exact same day. While her mother returned three weeks later, June remains missing. What are the chances of that? May doesn't believe in coincidences so she straps on her sleuthing hat and sets off to solve the mystery.
For a debut novel that started out decently the unfolding of the plot leaves a lot to be desired. The books is told through May, flashbacks to her mother Diana, and through letters June wrote to their mother after she died while in therapy. I didn't like any of them. June, especially, I found to be juvenile and annoying. At one point I hoped nobody found June. That is not a good thing when you're reading about a missing young woman. Pat, the grandmother, I found cringeworthy. Gary the dad and Sam the detective were okay in comparison to the women but that isn't saying all that much. What really killed this book for me was the outrageous denouement that defies all rationality. Yes, I did google, and yes, this is a real yet incredibly rare occurrence. Even with saying that, with all the other narrative threads that come together it just made this book TOO MUCH. My brain wouldn't let me buy into this much dysfunction. Thankfully this is a quick book and thankfully it's over.
As usual, I seem to be in the minority. A lot of praise is coming in for this debut novel and I'm happy for both the author and the readers that have loved this. I only wish I could say I was one of them. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy.
(Hmmm? No body, no leads, and the family decides to bury her and move on after one year? 🤔 That's not very nice. 🤨)
May makes a discovery of a newspaper article hidden in June's bedroom about the abduction of her mother, Diana, years earlier when she was in college. Coincidentally, both Diana and June disappeared on the exact same day. While her mother returned three weeks later, June remains missing. What are the chances of that? May doesn't believe in coincidences so she straps on her sleuthing hat and sets off to solve the mystery.
For a debut novel that started out decently the unfolding of the plot leaves a lot to be desired. The books is told through May, flashbacks to her mother Diana, and through letters June wrote to their mother after she died while in therapy. I didn't like any of them. June, especially, I found to be juvenile and annoying. At one point I hoped nobody found June. That is not a good thing when you're reading about a missing young woman. Pat, the grandmother, I found cringeworthy. Gary the dad and Sam the detective were okay in comparison to the women but that isn't saying all that much. What really killed this book for me was the outrageous denouement that defies all rationality. Yes, I did google, and yes, this is a real yet incredibly rare occurrence. Even with saying that, with all the other narrative threads that come together it just made this book TOO MUCH. My brain wouldn't let me buy into this much dysfunction. Thankfully this is a quick book and thankfully it's over.
As usual, I seem to be in the minority. A lot of praise is coming in for this debut novel and I'm happy for both the author and the readers that have loved this. I only wish I could say I was one of them. 2 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy.
June 5, 2024
Twin sisters May and June couldn’t be more different. May is quiet, self-conscious, withdrawn; June is boisterous, beautiful, magnetic…and missing.
It’s been a year since June disappeared, a year of May waiting for her to turn up with an explanation of where she’s been and why she left. But with the discovery of an old newspaper article comes a secret: their mother once vanished, too, on the same date when she was nineteen years old.
Just like June.
This was no coincidence. June was investigating this buried family mystery, and she left May a series of clues to pick up where she left off. Now, if May wants to find June, she’ll have to retrace her footsteps through their mother’s past.
The more answers she digs up, though, the more questions May has. And the biggest one of all: When her sister’s trail of breadcrumbs runs out, what or who will she find?
Do you love a story packed with secrets and lies? How about complex family dynamics? Or an expertly drawn unreliable narrator? If your answer to any of the above is yes, then you simply HAVE to pick up Original Twin. To be frank, I was rather shocked that this one was a debut novel. With a heaping dose of twists and turns—including one right at the end—there wasn’t a chance of me working it out ahead of each perfectly timed reveal. Well, except for one teeny, tiny piece of the puzzle.
As for the characters, they were each complicated and mostly true-to-life. From two diametrically opposed twins to the aunt you’re simply going to love to hate, the multiple POVs were brilliantly interwoven with letters and treasure hunt-like clues. The full picture illustrated a plot that must have taken one heck of an outline to write. Layered much like an onion, the conclusion was quite the shocker even for this thriller lover.
All said and done, while there were brief moments that required suspension of all disbelief and dialogue that felt stilted at times, I couldn’t have fallen for this one more if I tried. Fast-paced, addictive, and with an ending that will definitely take you unawares, it is no surprise that those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this book for weeks. I mean, I finished this in just one sitting. If that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what will. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Paula Gleeson, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potential plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: eating disorder, mention of: miscarriage, sexual assault
It’s been a year since June disappeared, a year of May waiting for her to turn up with an explanation of where she’s been and why she left. But with the discovery of an old newspaper article comes a secret: their mother once vanished, too, on the same date when she was nineteen years old.
Just like June.
This was no coincidence. June was investigating this buried family mystery, and she left May a series of clues to pick up where she left off. Now, if May wants to find June, she’ll have to retrace her footsteps through their mother’s past.
The more answers she digs up, though, the more questions May has. And the biggest one of all: When her sister’s trail of breadcrumbs runs out, what or who will she find?
Do you love a story packed with secrets and lies? How about complex family dynamics? Or an expertly drawn unreliable narrator? If your answer to any of the above is yes, then you simply HAVE to pick up Original Twin. To be frank, I was rather shocked that this one was a debut novel. With a heaping dose of twists and turns—including one right at the end—there wasn’t a chance of me working it out ahead of each perfectly timed reveal. Well, except for one teeny, tiny piece of the puzzle.
As for the characters, they were each complicated and mostly true-to-life. From two diametrically opposed twins to the aunt you’re simply going to love to hate, the multiple POVs were brilliantly interwoven with letters and treasure hunt-like clues. The full picture illustrated a plot that must have taken one heck of an outline to write. Layered much like an onion, the conclusion was quite the shocker even for this thriller lover.
All said and done, while there were brief moments that required suspension of all disbelief and dialogue that felt stilted at times, I couldn’t have fallen for this one more if I tried. Fast-paced, addictive, and with an ending that will definitely take you unawares, it is no surprise that those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this book for weeks. I mean, I finished this in just one sitting. If that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what will. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Paula Gleeson, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potential plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: eating disorder, mention of: miscarriage, sexual assault
June 1, 2024
Original Twin
By: Paula Gleeson
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Pub date: May 28, 2024
Length: 299 pages
5 👯👯👯👯👯
I CANNOT believe this is a debut. So many details, twists and turns that I speed through this one.
May and June are twins whose mother Diana died years ago. Now, June has come up missing and May’s life is in turmoil again.
A year goes by and May discovers June has disappeared! May finds out something in her mother’s past that has her confused as she never talked about it. She finds out when her mom was in college she also went missing for a time. Turns out it was the same day of the year! Is their disappearance related?
May looks to people in her mother’s past including her old college roommate, college boyfriend and a detective who can get her information on her mother’s cold case.
This novel is one you want to read in one sitting. The books chapters are broken down with different points of view, which made it more intriguing as it puts you into each of their own thoughts.
Cannot wait for what’s next for Gleeson.
By: Paula Gleeson
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Pub date: May 28, 2024
Length: 299 pages
5 👯👯👯👯👯
I CANNOT believe this is a debut. So many details, twists and turns that I speed through this one.
May and June are twins whose mother Diana died years ago. Now, June has come up missing and May’s life is in turmoil again.
A year goes by and May discovers June has disappeared! May finds out something in her mother’s past that has her confused as she never talked about it. She finds out when her mom was in college she also went missing for a time. Turns out it was the same day of the year! Is their disappearance related?
May looks to people in her mother’s past including her old college roommate, college boyfriend and a detective who can get her information on her mother’s cold case.
This novel is one you want to read in one sitting. The books chapters are broken down with different points of view, which made it more intriguing as it puts you into each of their own thoughts.
Cannot wait for what’s next for Gleeson.
May 11, 2024
OMG, WOWZA! This is one of the best debuts I have ever read! I flew through this book at warp speed because I was obsessed with this book! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! With all of the bread crumbs that was laid out, I thought I knew where this book was going, but NOPE, I was way wrong and I LOVED every minute of it. I felt like I had sisterly connect with May and enjoyed her search for answers! The ending left my head spinning with so many twists and turns!
In my opinion, this is THE DEBUT THRILLER OF THE YEAR! You definitely do not want to miss this book so add it to your TBR!
****Many thanks to Paula Gleason for my gifted copy in turn for an honest review! Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for including me on this amazing promo!
In my opinion, this is THE DEBUT THRILLER OF THE YEAR! You definitely do not want to miss this book so add it to your TBR!
****Many thanks to Paula Gleason for my gifted copy in turn for an honest review! Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for including me on this amazing promo!
July 12, 2024
Review to come
June 4, 2024
Well F*ckity F*ck!
I’d love to say I penned that, but it’s a phrase used a few times in the book that I chuckled over, and best used to describe this incredibly creative and original debut.
This is one twisty thriller! A multi layered story about twins, complex family dynamics, relationships and choices sometimes made in youth that come around to haunt you. Told through multiple POVs and duel time lines, the author drip feeds tidbits of nuggets leading to an OMG finale! Rarely am I shocked by a thriller these days, but this one had my head spinning! Pure brilliance!
I particularly loved the dive into the past and felt my self reminiscing over White Knight bars, honey joys and the Secret Seven mysteries; while also tapping into a not so distant past of misogyny and women fighting for equal rights.
This little gem has it all! Part thriller, part mystery, part family drama = perfection! The audiobook was brilliantly narrated by Anthea Greco and Leanne Walsman. Both did a wonderful job and kept me happily entertained throughout. This is out now and one I highly recommend 🤩
🎧 Huge thanks to @paulgleeson for sending me through an ALC 🙏💌 thanks also to @brilliancepublishing @netgalley🎧
I’d love to say I penned that, but it’s a phrase used a few times in the book that I chuckled over, and best used to describe this incredibly creative and original debut.
This is one twisty thriller! A multi layered story about twins, complex family dynamics, relationships and choices sometimes made in youth that come around to haunt you. Told through multiple POVs and duel time lines, the author drip feeds tidbits of nuggets leading to an OMG finale! Rarely am I shocked by a thriller these days, but this one had my head spinning! Pure brilliance!
I particularly loved the dive into the past and felt my self reminiscing over White Knight bars, honey joys and the Secret Seven mysteries; while also tapping into a not so distant past of misogyny and women fighting for equal rights.
This little gem has it all! Part thriller, part mystery, part family drama = perfection! The audiobook was brilliantly narrated by Anthea Greco and Leanne Walsman. Both did a wonderful job and kept me happily entertained throughout. This is out now and one I highly recommend 🤩
🎧 Huge thanks to @paulgleeson for sending me through an ALC 🙏💌 thanks also to @brilliancepublishing @netgalley🎧
February 6, 2024
I’m sorry to say that this was actually painful to get through. The writing was disjointed and incredibly choppy. The characters did not seem authentic or realistic at all and the twists were absolutely absurd. Apparently, my opinion is the minority here but I will not be recommending this one.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Thomas & Mercer and Paula Gleeson for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Thomas & Mercer and Paula Gleeson for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 29, 2024
A awesome story
Loved this one. Easy to follow with great characters and an interesting plot. Will def read more of this author!
Loved this one. Easy to follow with great characters and an interesting plot. Will def read more of this author!
April 30, 2024
*** REMEMBER THIS REVIEW HAS SPOILERS ***
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.
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*** LOTS OF SPOILERS ***
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.
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This book will forever stay in my mind. Mostly because of how incomplete it feels. It was a page turner for sure. But there are a lot of inconsistencies. Detectives aren’t normally that frivolous with their case files. Also, after over a year no one is going to notice that June is just living and eating and breathing and sleeping in a wardrobe in Pat’s house?! lol.
The main thing though: is this supposed to be a series or a standalone? Why is June’s dad (Sharon’s brother) now Sue’s boyfriend? Is he there to harm her or the twins? Does he know? Does May know? Does June know? Does Sue know?
The book mentions that May feels like he is so familiar and that when he reaches for his glass he has a missing thumb. His name is also Ant, short for Anthony. { Chapter 46 }
In Diana’s chapters, she mentions that she never killed Anthony but she did smash his thumb when he was pinned under the car. { Diana chapter in between Chapter 46 & 47 }
So is the book just gonna leave us with him not being confronted? He was the bad guy right?! Sharon’s brother, that came into her room when Diana was in a towel and took advantage of her and is now June’s dad?!
There was also zero emotion. I expected more emotion from May when she found out Sam was her dad. He was actually my favorite character. I also expected more emotion when May saw June. Like maybe a gasp or a hug or an OMG or somethinggg. But nope. They just hopped in the car and went and got a milkshake. How would you feel if your sister went missing and everyone around you was planning her funeral with an empty casket? And then you thought she was alive and you finally found her. I’d be shedding a tear or something.
I feel like this book has so much potential to be an amazing thriller but it just needs fixed up a bit.
*This ARC was received via the author and publisher. All opinions are my own.
.
.
.
*** LOTS OF SPOILERS ***
.
.
.
This book will forever stay in my mind. Mostly because of how incomplete it feels. It was a page turner for sure. But there are a lot of inconsistencies. Detectives aren’t normally that frivolous with their case files. Also, after over a year no one is going to notice that June is just living and eating and breathing and sleeping in a wardrobe in Pat’s house?! lol.
The main thing though: is this supposed to be a series or a standalone? Why is June’s dad (Sharon’s brother) now Sue’s boyfriend? Is he there to harm her or the twins? Does he know? Does May know? Does June know? Does Sue know?
The book mentions that May feels like he is so familiar and that when he reaches for his glass he has a missing thumb. His name is also Ant, short for Anthony. { Chapter 46 }
In Diana’s chapters, she mentions that she never killed Anthony but she did smash his thumb when he was pinned under the car. { Diana chapter in between Chapter 46 & 47 }
So is the book just gonna leave us with him not being confronted? He was the bad guy right?! Sharon’s brother, that came into her room when Diana was in a towel and took advantage of her and is now June’s dad?!
There was also zero emotion. I expected more emotion from May when she found out Sam was her dad. He was actually my favorite character. I also expected more emotion when May saw June. Like maybe a gasp or a hug or an OMG or somethinggg. But nope. They just hopped in the car and went and got a milkshake. How would you feel if your sister went missing and everyone around you was planning her funeral with an empty casket? And then you thought she was alive and you finally found her. I’d be shedding a tear or something.
I feel like this book has so much potential to be an amazing thriller but it just needs fixed up a bit.
*This ARC was received via the author and publisher. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2024
★ 5 Stars ★
I'm thrilled that #ThrillerBookLoversThePulse put this 5-star debut thriller on my radar! Yes, you heard me right. This magnificent novel that thriller lovers are RAVING about is a DEBUT. Trust me - you will want this one in your hands/book bag when it comes out on JUNE 1! SAVE THE DATE so you can run off to your favorite reading spot!
This gripping thriller had me hooked from start to finish. The author masterfully crafted a series of unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat and even revealed a fascinating fact that I had to look up myself - and it turned out to be true!
Despite the title suggesting that the book is about twins, it delves into various themes, including family dynamics, friendships, and other meaningful relationships, the difficult choices we make in our youth, and the secrets that can come back to haunt us. The unique narration style includes multiple points of view, letters, and police evidence that make the story even more compelling.
The audiobook version of this debut novel is particularly excellent, with highly talented narrators who kept me hooked until the end.
Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse/Brilliance Audio/Thomas Mercer for providing advanced copies of this book through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
I'm thrilled that #ThrillerBookLoversThePulse put this 5-star debut thriller on my radar! Yes, you heard me right. This magnificent novel that thriller lovers are RAVING about is a DEBUT. Trust me - you will want this one in your hands/book bag when it comes out on JUNE 1! SAVE THE DATE so you can run off to your favorite reading spot!
This gripping thriller had me hooked from start to finish. The author masterfully crafted a series of unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat and even revealed a fascinating fact that I had to look up myself - and it turned out to be true!
Despite the title suggesting that the book is about twins, it delves into various themes, including family dynamics, friendships, and other meaningful relationships, the difficult choices we make in our youth, and the secrets that can come back to haunt us. The unique narration style includes multiple points of view, letters, and police evidence that make the story even more compelling.
The audiobook version of this debut novel is particularly excellent, with highly talented narrators who kept me hooked until the end.
Thanks to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse/Brilliance Audio/Thomas Mercer for providing advanced copies of this book through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
June 5, 2024
Original Twin is described as a "twisty crossover thriller" and honestly that couldn't be a better description. The complex characters, strong plot, multiple timelines and narrators, red herrings, and intentional misinformation had my head spinning and kept me questioning everything.
The characters were really well developed and kept surprising me. With June missing and May trying to unravel the mystery surrounding not only her lost twin but also her deceased mother from 20 years prior, I felt like I was right alongside her discovering her family's secrets. The parallels between June and Diana added an element to the story that was unexpected and exciting. For both June and Diana, I couldn't decide whether they had been taken or faked their abductions. Gleeson kept me on the edge of my seat not knowing who I could trust or what to believe.
I really liked the format of the novel with the multiple narrators and timelines. Each narrator gave me breadcrumbs that helped me find pieces of the puzzle but I was never really able to fit them all together. How everything ties together in the end was wild and totally unique and I think my jaw is still hanging!
All in all, this was super entertaining, thrilling, and totally bingeworthy. I highly recommend. Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers - The Pulse and Thomas & Mercer for the copy.
The characters were really well developed and kept surprising me. With June missing and May trying to unravel the mystery surrounding not only her lost twin but also her deceased mother from 20 years prior, I felt like I was right alongside her discovering her family's secrets. The parallels between June and Diana added an element to the story that was unexpected and exciting. For both June and Diana, I couldn't decide whether they had been taken or faked their abductions. Gleeson kept me on the edge of my seat not knowing who I could trust or what to believe.
I really liked the format of the novel with the multiple narrators and timelines. Each narrator gave me breadcrumbs that helped me find pieces of the puzzle but I was never really able to fit them all together. How everything ties together in the end was wild and totally unique and I think my jaw is still hanging!
All in all, this was super entertaining, thrilling, and totally bingeworthy. I highly recommend. Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers - The Pulse and Thomas & Mercer for the copy.
December 17, 2024
“This was the start of a treasure hunt. A treasure hunt that would lead her to June.”
I’ve always been fascinated by twins so I was immediately drawn to this story due to the title and haunting cover.
Original Twin is told from three perspectives, May, June and their mother Diana. I particularly enjoyed June’s wry sense of humor. Along with the multiple POVs, there are multiple timelines and the chapters alternate in a non linear format; a favorite of mine.
Where Paula Gleeson excels is painting a complete picture of how each character sees themselves, verses how others see them. It was fascinating to have the differing viewpoints which also lead to unreliable narrators. Where is June? What happened to Diana? Are the two disappearances connected? Which perception is reality?
This is a fun and fast twisty little read full of family secrets that will keep you guessing to the end! I did suspect the final reveal but WOW is it a doozy, quite satisfying and made the whole story come full circle.
Favorite quote: “Your eyes give away all your secrets—never forget that.”
Thank you Paula Gleeson, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I’ve always been fascinated by twins so I was immediately drawn to this story due to the title and haunting cover.
Original Twin is told from three perspectives, May, June and their mother Diana. I particularly enjoyed June’s wry sense of humor. Along with the multiple POVs, there are multiple timelines and the chapters alternate in a non linear format; a favorite of mine.
Where Paula Gleeson excels is painting a complete picture of how each character sees themselves, verses how others see them. It was fascinating to have the differing viewpoints which also lead to unreliable narrators. Where is June? What happened to Diana? Are the two disappearances connected? Which perception is reality?
This is a fun and fast twisty little read full of family secrets that will keep you guessing to the end! I did suspect the final reveal but WOW is it a doozy, quite satisfying and made the whole story come full circle.
Favorite quote: “Your eyes give away all your secrets—never forget that.”
Thank you Paula Gleeson, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 5, 2024
This one DELIVERED! I didn’t want to put it down! June, May’s twin sister, went missing. After doing some digging, she learned her mom had also went missing as a college student….years earlier, the same day June did. Coincidence or not? May starts find treasure hunt clues from June (a game they have played since they were kids) but these clues led her down a path to discover what really happened to their mom. Along the way, she learns LOTS of secrets. I loved everything about this novel, especially the end! WTH! This is a book you DON’T want to miss!
May 8, 2024
Wow! What a debut. It's a Twisty Twin Thriller. TTT. T cubed. 😂
The story telling was top notch, past and present, multi POVs with letters thrown in. I couldn't put it down.
The twists are non-stop and so very creative. Such an impressive debut.
The story telling was top notch, past and present, multi POVs with letters thrown in. I couldn't put it down.
The twists are non-stop and so very creative. Such an impressive debut.
May 11, 2024
Fraternal twins, May and June were different from the start. May was quiet and obedient and NOT dramatic. June was exactly the opposite. On the exact day their mother went missing at the age of 19 for 3 weeks, June goes missing too. Coincidence? I think not. June had been trying to uncover the truth about her mothers disappearance all those years ago. Now, a year after her sister’s disappearance, May is following an invisible thread and a string of clues that June left behind because she is not ready to give up and say that her sister is dead.
May, has to ask a lot of hard questions and get a lot of hard answers to uncover all of the secrets her family has been hiding. This debut novel by Paula Gleason is nothing short of unpredictable. Be that reader, get out your murder board and follow the trail with May! You will not regret it
May, has to ask a lot of hard questions and get a lot of hard answers to uncover all of the secrets her family has been hiding. This debut novel by Paula Gleason is nothing short of unpredictable. Be that reader, get out your murder board and follow the trail with May! You will not regret it
June 25, 2024
Thank you to the author, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My apologies for the delay in posting this review, I had a bit too much going on.
The premise of this book was promising: twin sisters, one of whom goes missing on the exact day their mother disappeared years before. Mom came back, but the sister didn’t. Mom has since passed away, so the twin that is left behind follows the scavenger hunt of clues her sister left her before she disappeared. I found this book a painful slog, the writing was choppy and disjointed, the characters did not seem realistic at all and the vaunted twists were so absurd they stretched my credulity well beyond its limits. And then the ending is all tied up neatly in a bow, based on way too many coincidences and way too little plot development. I seem to be an outlier, but I cannot recommend this book.
The premise of this book was promising: twin sisters, one of whom goes missing on the exact day their mother disappeared years before. Mom came back, but the sister didn’t. Mom has since passed away, so the twin that is left behind follows the scavenger hunt of clues her sister left her before she disappeared. I found this book a painful slog, the writing was choppy and disjointed, the characters did not seem realistic at all and the vaunted twists were so absurd they stretched my credulity well beyond its limits. And then the ending is all tied up neatly in a bow, based on way too many coincidences and way too little plot development. I seem to be an outlier, but I cannot recommend this book.
October 14, 2023
No one layers intrigue and twists like Paula! I was lucky enough to read an early copy of this book and the way the story weaves through the lives of each character is absolutely genius. Trust no one, suspect everyone, and certainly don't start reading this book if you have anything important to do because you are NOT going to want to put it down.
June 17, 2024
“The Original Twin” is a psychological thriller that focuses on our FMC May as she attempts to unravel the mystery of her twins disappearance.
May discovers the coincidence between the date her twin went missing on, coinciding with the date their mother went missing many years earlier.
It is up to her to find out if this is more than just coincidence as she now has two puzzles to solve.
I enjoyed the perspective from the twins, each different in personalities as well the mother and finding out more about her past. If you enjoy books with family secrets, betrayals and twists I’d recommend the read!
The audiobook is narrated by Anthea Greco and Leeanna Walsman, both did a fantastic job at immersing you in the story.
I also love the cover art! The girl in the photo reminds me of an actress from a tv series I enjoyed so it definitely drew my attention!
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing / Brilliance Audio, Paula Gleeson and NetGalley for the ALC!
Publish date; June 1st 2024
May discovers the coincidence between the date her twin went missing on, coinciding with the date their mother went missing many years earlier.
It is up to her to find out if this is more than just coincidence as she now has two puzzles to solve.
I enjoyed the perspective from the twins, each different in personalities as well the mother and finding out more about her past. If you enjoy books with family secrets, betrayals and twists I’d recommend the read!
The audiobook is narrated by Anthea Greco and Leeanna Walsman, both did a fantastic job at immersing you in the story.
I also love the cover art! The girl in the photo reminds me of an actress from a tv series I enjoyed so it definitely drew my attention!
Thank you to Brilliance Publishing / Brilliance Audio, Paula Gleeson and NetGalley for the ALC!
Publish date; June 1st 2024
April 20, 2024
This is an immersive psychological thriller about twin sisters, May and June, their mother, Diana, who went missing as a young woman but then reappeared, claiming she had been abducted, and the subsequent disappearance of June on the same date as her mother years later. How are these disappearances related? Was June on the verge of unearthing details of Dianna’s abduction? What secrets will May uncover when she goes looking for June?
I read this one in a day trying to unravel the many twists, clues, secrets and red herrings as the story unfolded from the twins’ and the mother’s perspectives. Throw in family/sister drama, complicated mother-daughter relationships and a surprise twist at the end, and this one is an impressive debut by @paulagleesonauthor Recommend for thriller readers who love twists and turns, family secrets and deceit!!
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and @amazonpublishing for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I read this one in a day trying to unravel the many twists, clues, secrets and red herrings as the story unfolded from the twins’ and the mother’s perspectives. Throw in family/sister drama, complicated mother-daughter relationships and a surprise twist at the end, and this one is an impressive debut by @paulagleesonauthor Recommend for thriller readers who love twists and turns, family secrets and deceit!!
Thanks to Thomas and Mercer and @amazonpublishing for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
April 28, 2024
What a brilliant banger of a book! With twist and turns aplenty, complicated family dynamics, and a cast of fully-realised (and not always so loveable) characters, ORIGINAL TWIN is a total page-turner. I particularly relished the atmospheric setting, multiple points of view, and the creative format, and Gleeson's narrative voice strikes the perfect tone for this mystery.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2024
The story swept me off my feet right from the start with its gripping mystery and excitement. I was hooked, eagerly anticipating where it would lead. However, as the plot unraveled, I began to notice inconsistencies that left me scratching my head. It felt like pieces of the puzzle were missing, and I struggled to fully immerse myself in the story.
Emotionally, I yearned for a deeper connection with the characters. I wanted to feel their joys, their pains, their struggles – but it seemed like their emotions fell flat. Despite the promising beginning, the story failed to tug at my heartstrings the way I had hoped.
While it had its moments of brilliance, the story left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. It had all the ingredients for success, but it didn't quite come together as seamlessly as I had anticipated. Overall, I wanted more depth and coherence to fully satisfy my expectations.
Emotionally, I yearned for a deeper connection with the characters. I wanted to feel their joys, their pains, their struggles – but it seemed like their emotions fell flat. Despite the promising beginning, the story failed to tug at my heartstrings the way I had hoped.
While it had its moments of brilliance, the story left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. It had all the ingredients for success, but it didn't quite come together as seamlessly as I had anticipated. Overall, I wanted more depth and coherence to fully satisfy my expectations.
April 6, 2024
If only my radar for winning (5 star) reads worked for lottery winning too! Paula Gleeson’s debut thriller Original Twin is already one of my favorite reads of 2024 and one of my favorite thrillers period. My plan was to read this over 5 days as a part of structured buddy read but I ended up reading the entire book in less than a day!
I knew this book was about twins May and June, and May’s search for June a year after she’d gone missing. I highly suggest going into this book with this minimal knowledge! I absolutely loved all the places this storyline took me. I enjoyed the complexities of the relationship between the twins. The scavenger hunt investigation. All the family secrets. A kick ass grandma! (My absolute favorite character in the book). And for anyone who follows my reviews, it won’t be so shocking that I walked away with another book boyfriend despite this being a thriller!
I know this book hasn’t even been published yet but again I already know I’ll be the first in line for Paula’s next book. Her writing was simultaneously beautiful and entertaining and very cinematic, so much so that I kept wishing this book gets turned into a mini series!
Grab this one if you are looking for a twisty read that’ll help you escape reality and keep you entertained and turning pages at the speed of light!!!
A huge thank you to Thrillerbookloversthepulse, Thomas & Mercer and Paula Gleason for my ARC!
I knew this book was about twins May and June, and May’s search for June a year after she’d gone missing. I highly suggest going into this book with this minimal knowledge! I absolutely loved all the places this storyline took me. I enjoyed the complexities of the relationship between the twins. The scavenger hunt investigation. All the family secrets. A kick ass grandma! (My absolute favorite character in the book). And for anyone who follows my reviews, it won’t be so shocking that I walked away with another book boyfriend despite this being a thriller!
I know this book hasn’t even been published yet but again I already know I’ll be the first in line for Paula’s next book. Her writing was simultaneously beautiful and entertaining and very cinematic, so much so that I kept wishing this book gets turned into a mini series!
Grab this one if you are looking for a twisty read that’ll help you escape reality and keep you entertained and turning pages at the speed of light!!!
A huge thank you to Thrillerbookloversthepulse, Thomas & Mercer and Paula Gleason for my ARC!
May 29, 2024
Original Twin by Paula Gleeson. Thanks to @amazonpublishing for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May has been waiting for her sister, June, to return since she went missing a year ago. She becomes more confused when she comes across a news article showing her mother also went missing when she was nineteen years old, and on the same date.
This is a super twisty and turny thriller. The twists could have slowed down slightly because it became a little difficult for me to follow. However; I’d rather have too many twists than not enough! This is a great summer suspense that will certainly keep you on your toes. Bonus for those that love the twin trope; there’s a lot to it in this one.
“You know the world can be so beautiful sometimes. Yet most of the time, all I see is the darkness. Like I’m in a room that has no way out.”
Original Twin comes out 6/1.
May has been waiting for her sister, June, to return since she went missing a year ago. She becomes more confused when she comes across a news article showing her mother also went missing when she was nineteen years old, and on the same date.
This is a super twisty and turny thriller. The twists could have slowed down slightly because it became a little difficult for me to follow. However; I’d rather have too many twists than not enough! This is a great summer suspense that will certainly keep you on your toes. Bonus for those that love the twin trope; there’s a lot to it in this one.
“You know the world can be so beautiful sometimes. Yet most of the time, all I see is the darkness. Like I’m in a room that has no way out.”
Original Twin comes out 6/1.
April 24, 2024
I was not expecting ANY of these twists.
Wtheck.
I can’t say too much without giving the good stuff away but whatever you’re thinking, you’re wrong.
Y’all please read this as soon as it comes out on June 1st so I can talk to someone about this 😩
Wtheck.
I can’t say too much without giving the good stuff away but whatever you’re thinking, you’re wrong.
Y’all please read this as soon as it comes out on June 1st so I can talk to someone about this 😩
May 20, 2024
What a fabulous debut thriller! I'll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for the author's next work!
November 17, 2023
I was lucky enough to read this book pre-publication. It was a pleasure from start to finish and kept me guessing at every twist and turn—of which there are many! If you love hard-to-guess mysteries that leave you at the edge of your seat, this one is perfect for you. But be warned, you won’t be able to put it down once you start reading. Bonus star for an ending I didn't see coming AT ALL. This story is wildly original with a fresh voice and incredibly daring twists. Every time you think “the author couldn't possibly…” well, yes. Paula Gleeson sure can!
May 11, 2024
It’s been a year since May’s twin sister June went missing. After finding some clues left by June, May sets off to find her.
If you’re looking for a twisty thriller mixed with family drama and an unreliable narrator, then this book is for you. I was surprised to learn that this book was a debut. The way that Gleeson crafted this plot was really impressive. I loved the notes and clues that May had to follow in her search for June. The flashbacks to their mother’s story gave this book a sense of suspense that I really enjoyed.
The dual narrators and timelines worked really well for this story. I listened to the audiobook and liked that there were multiple narrators, Anthea Greco and Leeanna Walsman. It worked great and both narrators brought their own unique voice to this book. I highly recommend listening to this one.
There were so many twists and turns and for the most part I didn’t figure them out. I was shocked by the big reveal at the end and loved that Gleeson threw that in. I thought some parts were a little far fetched, but overall I really enjoyed this book. There’s no wonder that everyone at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse are raving about this one. You’ll definitely want to grab it when it releases on June 1st.
Thank you NetGalley snd Brilliance Publishing for an advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review.
If you’re looking for a twisty thriller mixed with family drama and an unreliable narrator, then this book is for you. I was surprised to learn that this book was a debut. The way that Gleeson crafted this plot was really impressive. I loved the notes and clues that May had to follow in her search for June. The flashbacks to their mother’s story gave this book a sense of suspense that I really enjoyed.
The dual narrators and timelines worked really well for this story. I listened to the audiobook and liked that there were multiple narrators, Anthea Greco and Leeanna Walsman. It worked great and both narrators brought their own unique voice to this book. I highly recommend listening to this one.
There were so many twists and turns and for the most part I didn’t figure them out. I was shocked by the big reveal at the end and loved that Gleeson threw that in. I thought some parts were a little far fetched, but overall I really enjoyed this book. There’s no wonder that everyone at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse are raving about this one. You’ll definitely want to grab it when it releases on June 1st.
Thank you NetGalley snd Brilliance Publishing for an advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2023
⭐️4.5
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this book was! I was immediately hooked as the book dove right into the plot which I liked, there was no waiting for the build up.
This book is a classic, "I think I figured out", followed by
"nevermind, that's a curveball". There were some instances were I had an inkling for what was to unravel but then other things occurred that kept me seconding guessing myself. Also that end?? Are we kidding? I did not see that coming at all! One of my favorite aspects was how the author showed the twins each viewed themselves in their own eyes in the world and how each point of views is completely different. If you're looking for a book that has is a fast paced easy read to get you out of a slump, this is it. I will recommend this book to all my friends as I would love to see their reactions as the book unfolds.
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this book was! I was immediately hooked as the book dove right into the plot which I liked, there was no waiting for the build up.
This book is a classic, "I think I figured out", followed by
"nevermind, that's a curveball". There were some instances were I had an inkling for what was to unravel but then other things occurred that kept me seconding guessing myself. Also that end?? Are we kidding? I did not see that coming at all! One of my favorite aspects was how the author showed the twins each viewed themselves in their own eyes in the world and how each point of views is completely different. If you're looking for a book that has is a fast paced easy read to get you out of a slump, this is it. I will recommend this book to all my friends as I would love to see their reactions as the book unfolds.
January 3, 2024
⭐️4.5
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this book was! I was immediately hooked as the book dove right into the plot which I liked, there was no waiting for the build up.
This book is a classic, "I think I figured out", followed by
"nevermind, that's a curveball". There were some instances were I had an inkling for what was to unravel but then other things occurred that kept me seconding guessing myself. Also that end?? Are we kidding? I did not see that coming at all! One of my favorite aspects was how the author showed the twins each viewed themselves in their own eyes in the world and how each point of views is completely different. If you're looking for a book that has is a fast paced easy read to get you out of a slump, this is it. I will recommend this book to all my friends as I would love to see their reactions as the book unfolds.
I was pleasantly surprised by how good this book was! I was immediately hooked as the book dove right into the plot which I liked, there was no waiting for the build up.
This book is a classic, "I think I figured out", followed by
"nevermind, that's a curveball". There were some instances were I had an inkling for what was to unravel but then other things occurred that kept me seconding guessing myself. Also that end?? Are we kidding? I did not see that coming at all! One of my favorite aspects was how the author showed the twins each viewed themselves in their own eyes in the world and how each point of views is completely different. If you're looking for a book that has is a fast paced easy read to get you out of a slump, this is it. I will recommend this book to all my friends as I would love to see their reactions as the book unfolds.
May 20, 2024
This book has lots of potential to be an excellent thriller. It was a good debut, but lacked some things.
I was left with many questions about some of the characters, but I think what bothered me most was how some of the characters reacted to certain situations. I would have thought they might feel deeper feelings about specific things than what was portrayed.
I am interested in reading more from this author and I’m hoping her sophomore novel is stronger than this one.
I was left with many questions about some of the characters, but I think what bothered me most was how some of the characters reacted to certain situations. I would have thought they might feel deeper feelings about specific things than what was portrayed.
I am interested in reading more from this author and I’m hoping her sophomore novel is stronger than this one.
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